October 2012 - Japan in Melbourne

New Japanese Exhibition Opens at the National Gallery of Victoria:The Arts of Japan
October 2012
EVENT CALENDAR
2012
OCTOBER
・Japanese Film Screenings
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DATE 2 - 3 Oct 10am, 23 Oct 3pm, 5:30pm
VENUE Japan Information & Cultural Centre, ConsulateGeneral of Japan, Level 8, 570 Bourke St, Melbourne
ADMISSION Free, RSVP to meljapan@mb.mofa.go.jp
WEBSITE www.melbourne.au.emb-japan.go.jp
In conjunction with the Term 3 school holidays,
October is jam-packed full of free movie
screenings which include Arrietty (2 Oct) and
Whisper of the Heart (3 Oct). Later in the month
(23 Oct), JICC offers the rescreening of popular
documentary Fukushima Hula Girls and Akira
Kurosawa’s 1950 film Rashomon.
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・DasSHOKU SHAKE!
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DATE Until 7 October, Wed – Sat 8pm, Sun 5:30pm
VENUE Fortyfivedownstairs, Basement 45 Flinders La, Melbourne
ADMISSION Full $27, Concession $22
WEBSITE fortyfivedownstairs.com
As part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, DasSHOKU
SHAKE! is a funky cross cultural emo shake up by
punkess Yumi Uniumare, Osaka’s Theatre Gumbo
with local and international artists. Fusing cabaret
with butoh (form of Japanese conceptual dance),
this performance tells the emotional and physical
reactions of the recent disasters in Japan.
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・Okinawa Night with Ichimadin
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DATE 13 Oct, 7pm
VENUE Japaneasy Japanese Language School, Level 4,
126 – 128 Russell St, Melbourne
ADMISSION $15, to book e-mail ichimadin@gmail.com
WEBSITE facebook.com/pages/Official-IchimadinSite/145400942174048
'Ichimadin' meaning
'forever' in Okinawan is
the name of possibly the
first sanshin (3 strings)
band based in Australia.
Join koto player, Chiemi
and sanshin player, Junko in a night full of
good music, dance and games in their debut
concert. Guest performers include Fuefukuro and
Toshihiko Ijuin. Seats are limited so be quick!
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・Floral Journey
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DATE 13 Oct 12pm – 4pm, 14 Oct 11am – 4pm
VENUE East & West Art Gallery, 665 High St, East Kew
ADMISSION Free
PHONE 03 9859 6277
Ikebana is a traditional Japanese art of flower
arrangement. Join Masumi Jackson from the
Ichiyo School of Ikebana in her 'Floral Journey'.
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・Ziguzagu Textile Exhibition
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DATE 13 Oct – 27 Oct
VENUE Kazari Collector, 450 Malvern Rd, Prahan
ADMISSION Free
WEBSITE ziguzagu.net
Various craft pieces made
wholly or in part with
Ziguzagu's Japanese
vintage fabrics by members
of the community will be
showcased in Japanese
fine art store/gallery, Kazari Collector.
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・Hiroshima Exhibition with A-Bomb Artefacts
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DATE 9 - 27 Oct
VENUE Gasworks Arts Park, Cnr Graham and Pickles Sts, Albert Park
ADMISSION Free
WEBSITE gasworks.org.au
In 1945 the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
were destroyed instantly by atomic bombs. This
exhibition from the City of Hiroshima features artefacts
from the bombings and activities to promote a nuclearweapon-free-world. By appointment, groups can speak
via Skype to survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
From October, the most important Japanese art
collection in Australia will be on display at NGV's
newly created Japanese Gallery. Assembling the
largest, oldest and most diverse collection of
Japanese art in the country, the new gallery has
been carefully designed to the capture the beauty,
serenity and spirituality of Japanese culture.
Planning began more than four years ago
coinciding with a large donation from a well-known
philanthropist, and lover of Japanese art, Pauline
Gandel. She has assembled a major lacquer ware
collection from which highlights have been selected
for display in the new gallery.
Joining NGV's team of Asian art curators a few
years ago, Wayne Crothers, will be responsible for
the new Japanese gallery. Having lived in Japan for
over twenty years and working as an academic, the
experience has given him an appreciation of the
spiritual and cultural layers that underpin the beauty
of Japanese art. Moreover, his connection with his
colleagues in Japan has been important in acquiring
new pieces.
Wayne thinks that visitors should approach the
exhibition "with an open mind...expecting to get
a fresh perspective of Japanese culture". Rather
than a Western interpretation of Japanese art and
culture, visitors are provided with a true Japanese
experience helped by
Wayne Crothers,
the thoughtful interior
Curatordesign. More than a
Asian Art
mere display of art,
the new gallery offers
an authentic cultural
experience.
For example, the tea
ceremony ware section
will display tea utensils
in its correct context
allowing people to
understand how they
would have been
arranged and used
from the 16th century
to the present day.
Located in Yarraville, Birchbox Flowers
is unique in contrast with other florists
in the area. When you walk through the
door, the beautifully lined walls of fresh
colourful flowers and gifts, invoke a sense
of rustic welcome. The shabby-chic natural
surrounding wood tones mixed with the
elegant white chandelier hung from the painted
wooden roof sets the tone for the warm smiles
and quality service that you will receive.
There is a deep sense of community found here
that is rarely seen elsewhere. The wall behind the
shop counter is decorated with photos of happy
Yum…Green Tea
Desserts Collection!
Hey guys! Remember me, Chabatake-kun?
Gosh, there are so many yummy sweets! Which
should I pick?! See the beautiful shades of
green? Yep, they are all made with matcha.
So what is "matcha" anyway? First, you gotta
know what "tencha" is. Tencha is steamed
green tea leaves that are dried naturally. When
grounded, it becomes matcha – green tea
powder. Besides the famous Japanese tradition
of chanoyu (tea ceremony), did you know
The gallery also includes a number of
Japanese architectural features such as
a tatami matted area to view scrolls, a
coffered ceiling to allow the installation
of large artworks and shoji lattice screens
designed to create a unique Japanese
ambiance.
Greeted by the stunning samurai
helmet upon entering, visitors will find
the following featured pieces in the
collection: several 12th century Buddhist
sculptures, a large scale mandala, ancient
negoro and exquisite maki-e lacquer
ware, Noh theatre robes and masks, rare
works by eccentric Kyoto painters, fine porcelain,
folding screens, tea utensils, Ukiyo-e wood block
prints and contemporary ceramic works.
Even young manga devotees, can encounter
"whimsical drawings" of everyday life in early Japan
by the great Japanese artist, Katsushika Hokusai.
Wayne explains that this famous artist coined the
term "manga" and his drawings are the forerunners
to the modern art form that has captured the
imagination of a younger generation.
It is a diverse exhibition that will appeal to many.
Although the new Japanese gallery is a
permanent exhibition, Wayne's job does not
end at the opening of the exhibition. Many
items such as lacquer ware and prints are
delicate and light sensitive, therefore can only
be shown for four months at a time in order to
preserve their beauty and value. Due to these
strict conservation issues, the collection will be
refreshed with new items. Items on display will
also be rotated on a regular basis, meaning lovers of
Japanese art will be treated to a different experience
each time they visit.
For many years, the NGV, benefactors and curators
have worked together to bring an authentic Japanese
experience to Melbourne. They all hope that the new
exhibition promises to be much more than a display
of Japanese art. It will be a wonderful opportunity to
become better acquainted with Japanese culture.
Story : Peter Dewar
(left)
JAPANESE
Samurai Helmet (Kabuto)
Edo period, 18th century, Japan
lacquer on metal (shikki )
77.5 x 34.0 cm (overall)
Collection of Pauline Gandel, Melbourne
Photo: Earl Carter
(Right)
JAPANESE
Noh theatre robe, Atsuita (Nōshōzoku Atsuita)
Edo period, late 18th century–early 19th century, Japan
silk, gilt paper, silk thread
173.0cm (center back); 41.0 cm (sleeve length)
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 2012
JAPANESE
Noble lady's carriage and flower cart (Goshoguruma)
Edo period, early 18th century, Japan
pair of six panel folding screens: ink, gold paint, pigments on
gold leaf on paper, lacquer on wood, silk, brass, copper, paper
184.6 x 373.7 cm (overall) (each)
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1994
National Gallery of Victoria
The Japanese Gallery
(The Pauline Gandel Gallery of Japanese Art)
Public Opening: October 5, 2012
customers and their chosen floral
arrangements. "We have regular
people [that] keep coming back,"
says Japanese florist, Naomi. "I like
to make other people happy. That is
my motivation".
Naomi, a Japanese native, has
lived in Australia for almost 20 years.
She studied Floristry in England,
where she also worked as an
apprentice. "I was
always involved
in flower arranging. In Japan, if
you are a girl, it’s easy to learn.
It’s in our culture," she says.
Naomi has been practicing
Ikebana for many years too.
'Ikebana' is a simplistic style
of Japanese art
flower arranging.
"It’s sharing the
most beautiful line
of the branch,"
says Naomi.
'Ikebana' differs
to western style.
At the Birchbox, we don't create the same
arrangement over and over again," says Naomi,
matcha can be used in so many different ways?
For you sweet tooths out there, guess
what? Matcha is the magic powder to all these
sweets. By simply adding matcha, it can give
these ordinary sweets a natural shade of green
and a Japanese flavour makeover in a wink!
Let's see which matcha sweets can be found
in Melbourne! Did you know gelato specialist,
Fritz Gelato uses ITO EN's matcha powder in
their delicious matcha gelato? Also you can
find many different kinds of matcha flavoured
baked items in popular bakery, Bread Top.
Oh yeah, have you guys heard of matcha
latte? It's a milk based matcha drink that is
secretly booming in Melbourne.
Perhaps you have tried some of these
already, which is your fave?
To find out more about green tea, remember
to check out "Teatime by the Tea Field"
running biweekly in JIM's website!
Story : Jodie Kako Photos : Bianca at Birchbox
● 51 Anderson St, Yarraville
● Mon–Thu 9:30am-6pm, Fri 9:30am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm
● www.birchboxflowers.com.au ● 03 9687 0474
ASAKUSA
Located in Malvern East, Asakusa is an authentic
Japanese restaurant which is own and run by
Chinese owner, Lucy Liao. Established for nine
years, this restaurant has become much loved by
the locals.
The seven Australian Achievers
Awards hanging on the wall
speak for themselves. Their
huge success is credited due
to their philosophy to treat
customers like family members.
Therefore Asakusa combines only the
best ingredients with healthy cooking
methods. With almost a hundred different
dishes on the menu, there will be
something that suits meat lovers, seafood
enthusiasts and vegetarians alike.
Being in the industry for twenty years,
head chef,
Steven Yu
has worked in Japan
for seven years,
honing his skills
alongside Japanese
chefs. Thanks to his
valuable experience,
you can be sure
the food tastes
authentically Japanese.
To enjoy your meal to the fullest, Lucy
recommends accompanying the dishes with
Asabiraki Junmai Okarakuchi Suijin. Lucy explains
Suijin has a good amount of umami to bring
out the freshness of seafood
and at the same time,
handle the robust
flavours of stronger
flavoured grilled
dishes. Let's see
which dishes are
most compatible!
Issue #7
Tooth Fish Misoyaki
The poster on
the restaurant wall
which reads「 道 」
(m i c h i – m e a n i n g
path) highlights Lucy's
perseverance on just how
SMALL SASHIMI
Kaki Mayoyaki and Lamb Yuanzuke
strongly determined she is to
Three varieties of fresh fish
improve Asakusa's performance each day.
are handpicked by the chef daily and served
Asakusa is a restaurant that the locals love to
up sashimi style. Please enquire for the daily
return to for their variety of traditional, handmade
specials!
Japanese dishes. "All dishes are served up with a
TOOTH FISH MISOYAKI
smile, so please come and see for yourself."
Generous portions of high quality
Story : Tiffany Ho Photos : Masatoshi Sato
tooth fish fillets imported directly
Owner : Lucy Liao
from Japan are marinated in miso
and then grilled to perfection.
Served with salad topped with
sesame dressing, this is the
perfect example of a healthy
Japanese diet.
KAKI MAYOYAKI
Fresh large oysters are
generously coated in Japanese
mayonnaise and grilled.
Underneath the golden layer
of grilled mayo is a juicy oyster bursting with
freshness. It's one of Asakusa's popular menu item!
LAMB YUANZUKE
Succulent lamb cutlets are marinated in
yuanzuke – a blend of soy sauce, sake, mirin and
yuzu slices before being grilled. Absorbing the
delicate flavours of the yuanzuke, the lamb fills the
air with refreshing aroma.
For latest updates, please visit
www.japaninmelbourne.com.au
Stairs Hair Salon employs experienced and
reliable Japanese hair stylists using only the best
Japanese products imported directly from Japan.
Just a walking distance from South Yarra train
station, it's one salon not to be missed!
Living in Australia for almost 20 years, the
owner Sayuri, aims at styling ladies hair based
on the image of what the Japanese refer to as an
"Asian beauty" – someone with lustrous hair and
a glowing complexion. Sayuri tells us that kind
of silky sleek hair can be achieved through using
their permanent hair straightening treatment. It
is particularly recommended for ladies who have
RESTAURANTS
unmanageable frizzy hair
or have varying degrees of
thickness of hair or for people
who just want lustrous long
hair. After the treatment, the
lustre and feel of your hair will
certainly change for the better.
STAIRS stresses the
importance of pre-treatment
and hair counselling. As part
of their pre-treatment service,
stylists will enrich hair with
protein which helps to
protect and minimise
damage done to the
hair cuticles. Hair
straightening becomes
complex when customers
have different requests like wanting more lustre
or a softer edge to their hair. But worry not as
STAIRS takes their customer service to a whole
new level. Stylists are trained to select products
for the treatment that are most suitable to the
customer's hair type and needs from a wide
range of Japanese products tailored to suit the
customer's existing hair condition.
When you are getting your hair done you'll be
sure to learn more about how to protect your hair
directly from the pros. Stylists will be more than
happy to teach you on how to blow dry your hair
without peeling the cuticles and how to use a hair
A S A KU S A
● 127 Waverly Rd, Malvern East
● Tue - Sun 5:30pm - 10:30pm
● 03 9569 2051
Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets
often served during tea ceremonies and special
occasions.
Intricate in design and
handmade with utmost care,
these are Ai Kageyama's
wagashi. Seeing an under
developed market for wagashi
in Australia, Ai has decided to
make wagashi in order preserve the
culture and educate people what traditional
wagashi really is. Changing in colour and
design between the seasons, Ai's wagashi are
made with natural ingredients and contains no
preservatives.
Already doing this as an
extended hobby for more
than seven years, Ai is
determined to keep
production small
to maintain her
strict standards
of high quality
and freshness. Thus she is
adamant on the idea of
using preservatives and
mass production.
Currently, you'll only be
able to try her wagashi
at Melbourne's Izakaya
Den and NAMA NAMA. For wagashi orders
and inquiries, please contact Ai via email at
mamex2@hotmail.com
To find out more about the
different types of wagashi
Ai makes, be sure to
check out her blog at
mamesweet.exblog.jp
Story and Photos : Grub
Find us on FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/JAPANINMELBOURNE
dryer to reduce the frizziness in
unruly hair. Besides styling hair,
STAIRS offers nail services too!
Whilst you are waiting, be sure to
flip through the pages of the newest
Japanese fashion magazines for inspiration.
Whether you want to get your hair or nails
done, be sure to drop by STAIRS. The friendly
stylists will be bound to help you find the fashion
enthusiast inside you.
● 1st floor, 180 Toorak Rd, South Yarra
● Sun - Fri 10am - 6pm, Sat 9am - 6pm
● www.stairshair.com.au ● 03 9827 8033
Japan in Melbourne Monthly Published by TRYBER PTY LTD Suite 4, Level 5, 258 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 / 03 9639 5051
Director：Jun Hasegawa / Editors：Noriko Tabei, Vivian Ly / Designer：Yoshie Ishizuka